Martin-Schaefer Thanksgiving Day 2- SEATTLE!

Going into Seattle was such a great time. I've always dreamed of seeing the Pike's Place Market and going to the very first Starbucks (really the Starbucks part was a monumental experience). It was amazing to see the men in the fish market throw the fish...etc. There was so much to see and do! I also saw the restaurant where Tom Hanks filmed a scene from Sleepless in Seattle :)

After our time in Seattle we all headed to the great IKEA!! Where we dreamed and found a lot of things we "needed" to buy. It's amazing how much you suddenly realize you "need" when you're in a store like IKEA. After our excursion to the city we met up with our friends Sara and Scott Gause for a great dinner. Can't complain at all about this trip...except that we're missing all of the snow Colorado Springs is getting. I'm sad about that. Overall, our time here in Tacoma has been wonderful and we love spending time with the Schaefers.

Martin-Schaefer Thanksgiving Day 1

James and I arrived in Seattle/Tacoma, Washington late Thursday night to a smiling and very welcoming friend, Cameron Schaefer. It has been such a great time reconnecting and catching up with the Schaefer's at our 2nd annual Thanksgiving Celebration. Their sweet baby Malone has grown considerably since we last saw her and she is such a delight. 

Yesterday we had Thanksgiving dinner and once again Marelize surpassed our expectations with nothing less than a feast. We had awesome turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing and green bean casserole. Followed later by great conversations, naps and pies for dessert. It has been a refreshing and relaxing time here with the Schaefers and we are sooo thankful for great friends. 

We're heading in to explore Seattle and experience the city life there. I'm so excited because I've never been to Seattle and have always wanted to go. One of my all time favorite movies is Sleepless in Seattle. I love it when Annie goes and watches Sam play with Jonah on the beach...with a wink and a smile :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I'm so excited about it. It's been interesting to see how Thanksgiving has evolved for me. I realized tonight that it's been 4 years since I had Thanksgiving with my family, which is a bit sad for me. Since I moved out to Colorado and met James I've done Thanksgiving with him and his family. Last year we started a fun tradition of going to see the Schaefer's for the holiday, and this year we're getting a dose of both. We'll have dinner with James' family and then fly to see the Schaefer's in Seattle. Maybe next year we can go to Pennsylvania and have Thanksgiving dinner on the farm? Nothing like the country at Thanksgiving.

Looking at my life I realize that I have so much to be thankful for, from my warm bed at night to my God and Savior Jesus Christ. I have been blessed with everything I need. So now I'm going to take the initiative to acknowledge the top 10 things that I am so grateful for:

1. Jesus Christ and salvation that comes only through Him.

2. My husband, who is so amazing.

3. My families (Martin & Rockwell).

4. Wonderful friends from years past and those that I've come to know recently.

5. A great church and community of believers.

6. A good job and great people to work with.

7. Chai tea.

8. Safe and cozy apartment.

9. Reliable car.

10. Food on the table and pumpkin pies in the oven...

Really, the list could go on and on. This truly is such a special holiday and great time of year. I encourage everyone to take the time to thank the Lord for the little blessings in life. I guarantee you'll be surprised at how long the list becomes. Happy Thanksgiving!

Snow!

It may be early for me to be celebrating the holidays, but Thanksgiving is just around the corner and it's really snowing for the first time here in the Colorado Springs. There's something wonderful about the snow. I love this time of year...it's by far the best. I want the snow and cold weather to stay. Thank you Lord for snow, holidays and chai tea. 

Vote-2008

I voted today for the first time and loved it. In years past I didn't vote because it always seemed overwhelming and intimidating to me, but today was quite the opposite. I felt equipped and ready to cast my vote because of preparation. I researched where my precinct was and all of the voting details, which brought a sense of confidence. There's confidence in education, insecurity in ignorance. 

What a time in history to have a voice and an opinion that matters. Our country is at such a pivotal point and every vote counts! Use the voice and mind God gave you! Happy voting...